Allison Jane
Greetings! Are you a traveler or a language enthusiast interested in discovering how to say “ice cream” in China? Well, look no further! In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways to express this sweet treat, providing tips, examples, and a touch of regional variations where necessary. So let’s embark on this language journey together!
Formal Phrases for “Ice Cream”
If you wish to use formal language when ordering or discussing ice cream, these phrases will come in handy:
1. 冰淇淋 (Bīngqílín)
This is the most common and widely understood term for “ice cream” throughout mainland China. The characters for “冰淇淋” literally mean “frozen dairy product.” It’s simple, straightforward, and easily recognizable by locals in any region.
Example: “我想吃冰淇淋” (Wǒ xiǎng chī bīngqílín) – “I want to eat ice cream.”
Informal Expressions for “Ice Cream”
When it comes to informal language, you have a few phrases to express your craving for ice cream:
1. 雪糕 (Xuěgāo)
In many parts of China, especially in northern regions, people commonly use “雪糕” to refer to ice cream. It originates from the transliteration of “sherbet” into Mandarin, making it a popular term among locals.
Example: “我们要吃雪糕吗?” (Wǒmen yào chī xuěgāo ma?) – “Do we want to eat ice cream?”
2. 冰棍 (Bīnggùn)
Another widely used informal term for ice cream, particularly in northern and northeastern China, is “冰棍.” This expression literally means “ice stick” and often refers to popsicles rather than soft-serve or scooped ice cream.
Example: “吃个冰棍消暑吧!” (Chī gè bīnggùn xiāoshǔ ba!) – “Let’s have an ice cream to cool down!”
Regional Variations
While the phrases mentioned above are quite universal, slight regional variations do exist. Let’s take a quick look at those:
1. 冰激凌 (Bīngjīlíng)
If you find yourself in Taiwan or southern China, you might come across the term “冰激凌.” This Mandarin transliteration borrowed from English is commonly used to refer to “ice cream” in these regions.
2. 冰糕 (Bīnggāo)
In some local dialects spoken in various southern provinces, particularly Guangdong and Fujian, the term “冰糕” is used to mean “ice cream.” It originates from the word “糕” (gāo), which generally refers to cakes or pastries.
Tips for Ordering Ice Cream in China
Now that you know how to say “ice cream” in different ways, let’s explore some useful tips for ordering this delectable treat:
1. Non-spicy Ice Cream
In China, it’s common to come across peculiar flavors of ice cream, some of which may be spicy! Therefore, if you prefer a non-spicy ice cream, you can simply say:
“请给我一份不辣的冰淇淋” (Qǐng gěi wǒ yī fèn bù là de bīngqílín) – “Please give me a non-spicy ice cream.”
2. Ordering Specific Flavors
If you have a particular ice cream flavor in mind, you can express it using the following structure:
“请给我一份[flavor]的冰淇淋” (Qǐng gěi wǒ yī fèn [flavor] de bīngqílín) – “Please give me a [flavor] ice cream.”
For instance, if you’d like to order a vanilla ice cream, you can say:
“请给我一份香草味的冰淇淋” (Qǐng gěi wǒ yī fèn xiāngcǎo wèi de bīngqílín) – “Please give me a vanilla-flavored ice cream.”
3. Using Numbers
In Chinese culture, numbers play a significant role, including when ordering ice cream. If you want to order multiple servings, just specify the number before the phrase:
“请给我两份雪糕” (Qǐng gěi wǒ liǎng fèn xuěgāo) – “Please give me two ice creams.”
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully learned several phrases to say “ice cream” in China, both formally and informally. Remember, the term “冰淇淋” (Bīngqílín) is the safest bet throughout the country. However, feel free to use “雪糕” (Xuěgāo) or “冰棍” (Bīnggùn) for a more informal touch, depending on your region or preference.
While exploring regional variations, you now know that Taiwan and southern China prefer “冰激凌” (Bīngjīlíng), while certain southern dialects favor “冰糕” (Bīnggāo). Follow the tips provided to order ice cream with ease by avoiding spicy flavors, specifying your favorite taste, and even using numbers to request multiple servings.
Enjoy your ice cream adventures in China. 甜品尽兴！(Tiánpǐn jìnxìng!) – Have a sweet time!
